Police warning over bank holiday rural raves

The force said as the three day weekend approaches the attraction of outdoor raves in rural areas increases. Officers are asking residents to get in touch if they hear or see any activity about to take place so they can “nip it in the bud”. A police spokesman said: “Once a rave becomes established, it is very difficult to close it down safely, especially during the hours of darkness. Early warnings of events, either from people living close by or from information gleaned from social media, enables police to attend and prevent people from accessing the site.” Inspector Kris Ottery continued: “While some may see them as harmless, they can cause distress and inconvenience to people living locally, but more importantly, as they are unlicensed and unmonitored, they are potentially dangerous places to be for those taking part. “The earlier we are alerted to a rave taking place, the greater the chance of preventing them becoming established, disrupting them and dispersing those responsible for their organisation. “Police powers do include being able to seize and confiscate equipment being used by the organisers of a rave and this extends to vehicles being used in connection with the event. Sussex Police will use these powers and if an organiser is identified in advance of a planned rave, officers may visit them to advise that action may be taken against them. “We are asking people to be our eyes and ears to potential raves. Keep an eye on access points to land and make sure they are secure. Please report any locks that have been broken or removed. Report any vehicles driving off-road – particularly panel or larger vans, groups of vehicles in rural areas, convoys of vehicles and listen out for loud music in remote locations.” If you suspect a rave might be being planned, please email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If people or vehicles are arriving for a rave, dial 999 immediately. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.